Weekend Trips from Winnipeg: 5 Northwestern Ontario Communities Worth the Drive

The weather forecast for the weekend is sunny and hot, and your current plans are to stay in the city and sweat it out? Well, we have a great and affordable alternative for you—a place you can go to that's close by, friendly, and has 70,000 freshwater lakes to cool off in. It's Sunset Country in Northwestern Ontario, a popular travel destination for Winnipeggers for over a century!

Kenora, Ontario – 209 km from Winnipeg

The first place Winnipeggers see after crossing the Ontario border is the City of Kenora. With a population of 15,000 that almost doubles in the summer months, Kenora is the most popular weekend destination from Winnipeg in Northwestern Ontario and has lots to do. What small city do you know that has 5 public beaches on two different lakes? One of the most interesting Kenora/Manitoba connections is the "border dispute" of 1883, when both Manitoba and Ontario claimed Kenora (then called Rat Portage) as their own. The dispute escalated to the point that Manitoba police constables were arresting Ontario police constables, and vice versa. After going to the British Parliament to be settled, Ontario prevailed, and the rest is history.

Things To See & Do in Kenora

• Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre:  Located at 931 Lakeview Dr, the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre should be your first stop in Kenora. In addition to providing travel information, staff can help you find a place to stay if you haven't already booked one or inform you about everything happening in town during your stay. 
• Matiowki Farmers Market: Held every Wednesday from June to October, the weekly Matiowki Farmers Market is definitely worth a visit if you are in Kenora on a Wednesday. Browse the craft booth featuring Indigenous art, local artists and painters, jewelry, and more, or the traditional food booths, full of fresh produce, homemade breads, and pies. 
• The Muse: Kenora has long been well known for its quality museum, and now, as the Muse, you can also visit the Douglas Family Arts Centre right next door. A must-see if you've never visited.
• Norman Park: In addition to the fabulous beach area, Norman Park, located just behind the Dairy Queen, is a great place to take the kids. The Rotary Splash Park and Hoopla Island will keep them busy, especially on those hot summer days.
• Tunnel Island/Vernon Nature Trails: If you want to do some light hiking while visiting Kenora, the Tunnel Island or Vernon Nature Trails are great choices. Walk along fully maintained trails and experience mature stands of white pine, birch and other tree species. You may get lucky and see some local wildlife, so bring your camera!
• MS Kenora: Cruise Lake of the Woods in comfort and get an interpreted trip all at the same time. Learn about some of the famous people who have cottages on Lake of the Woods, and you may get the opportunity to see wildlife along the shoreline. The MS Kenora is probably Kenora's oldest attraction, and it keeps getting better every year. The evening dinner cruise is especially popular.
• Garrow Park and Beach: Located on Rabbit Lake, Garrow Park is an ideal family destination in the summer. Swim in the warm waters of Rabbit Lake or watch your kids have fun on the play structures. Garrow Park is also home to Pickleball courts, disc golf and the Kenora Rowing Club.
• Coney Island Beach/Shuttle: Coney Island Beach was Kenora's favourite playground for many decades, and the City of Kenora has recently invested significant resources in bringing it back to its glory days of the past. A new play structure, a large open field and revitalized concessions are all part of the plan. The main attraction, of course, is the beach where you and your family will enjoy swimming in the cool waters of Lake of the Woods for hours. Even though it's on an island, it's easy to access on the Coney Island Boat Shuttle. 
• Husky the Muskie: This is by far Kenora's most famous attraction. At 40 feet tall and overlooking Kenora Bay, Husky the Muskie was first erected during Canada's Centennial in 1967. From the base, you can also see the Rotary Goodwill Geyser, which goes off every hour or so on Lake of the Woods. Walk Kenora's beautiful harbourfront walk and enjoy the magnificent beauty of Lake of the Woods.

For more information about visiting Kenora, contact: Tourism Kenora

Vermilion Bay & Machin – 308 km from Winnipeg

Vermilion Bay sits at a unique crossroads. It is the southern terminus of Highway 105, the road to Red Lake, one of Canada's most historic gold-mining regions. It is also the gateway to Blue Lake Provincial Park, known for some of the clearest water and best sandy beaches in Northwestern Ontario, just 10 km from town.

Vermilion Bay is part of the sprawling Municipality of Machin, which includes the small community of Minnitaki about 20 kilometres west of Vermilion Bay. The big attraction in Minnitaki is Egli's Wool and Sheepskin Shop. Browse quality sheepskin and wool products offering clothing and sheepskin items in great variety from sheep raised on their farm.

Things To See & Do in Vermilion Bay

• Take a Pic with Sasquatch: Pose in a picture with "Sasquatch" located on Highway 17 as you drive through town - everyone does!
• Fish Eagle Lake: Take a day to go guided fishing on Eagle Lake - you could catch a 50+ inch muskie!
• Visit Blue Lake: Take a day trip or camp overnight in Blue Lake Provincial Park. Swim in the crystal-clear water and enjoy the massive sandy beach. 
• Pine Tree Park: Walk the shoreline at Pine Tree Park on Eagle Lake. It's one of the community's best places to experience the scenery of Eagle Lake.
• Minnitaki: Take a drive to Minnitaki to experience the rugged Canadian Shield landscape, farmland, forests, lakes, and make sure you stop at Egli's for some shopping.
• Eagle River Hydro Generating Station: Visit nearby Eagle River and see the flow at the Eagle River generating station. 

For more information about visiting Vermilion Bay/Machin, contact: The Municipality of Machin

Dryden, Ontario – 352 km from Winnipeg

Located in the heart of Sunset Country, Dryden is a major service centre in the region. There are many hotels you can stay at, and this city of 8,500 has the best shopping in Sunset Country. You can stay at a hotel in the city and explore the area from that base. There are many sights to see and activities to do.

Things To See & Do in Dryden

• Visit the Dryden Museum: The Dryden Museum is one of the best in the region, and a star attraction for many US tourists is the "Dryden Buck" and their collection of historical photos showing early settlement and life. 
• Visit Aaron Provincial Park: Located just east of the City, Aaron Provincial Park has an awesome campground if that's what you like to do. Swim in beautiful Thunder Lake or bring a kayak or SUP. At night, sit around a campfire and gaze at the dark skies with thousands of stars and, if you're lucky, the Northern Lights.
• Dryden Agricultural Fair: In its 119th year in 2026, the Dryden Agricultural Fair is held in August, and if you are in Dryden while the Fair is on, it's a must-visit. Enjoy local products and foodstuffs from local producers, go on rides at the Midway, enjoy live entertainment, and much more. Your kids will love it!
• Tagged Fishing Contest: If you love to fish, then the Dryden Trailblazers Tagged Fishing Contest lets you do what you love, and you have a chance to win money while doing it. Held on Wabigoon Lake, thousands of dollars are won by locals and tourists each year!
• Selfies with Max the Moose: At 18 feet tall and weighing 2 tons, it's not easy to take a selfie with Max the Moose, but try anyway. You'll find Max next to the tourist information centre on Highway 17. 
• Walk the Signature Trail: If you love an easy hike, then the Signature Trail in Dryden is that. Winding alongside the Wabigoon River, the trail includes the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge and connections to other city trails. Don't forget to visit nearby Johnston Park.

For more information about Dryden, contact Explore Dryden.

Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls – 290–335 km from Winnipeg

Sioux Narrows, Ontario, is a pure tourism and cottage country community located just 45 minutes south of Kenora on Highway 71 - so about three hours from Winnipeg. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing, then Sioux Narrows is a great choice. The Township manages Sioux Narrows Provincial Park, which has tons of campsites, hiking trails and a sand beach. The shopping in Sioux Narrows is legendary, especially if you are looking for Lake of the Woods merch.

Nestor Falls, Ontario, is the sister community to Sioux Narrows and is about 40 minutes further south down Highway 71. Located on Sabaskong Bay and situated between Crow Lake and Lake of the Woods, the area offers spectacular freshwater fishing. The muskie fishing on Sabaskong Bay is legendary, and there are several lodges and campgrounds to stay at. Nestor Falls also has the Boreal Trail for hikers.

Things To See & Do in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

• Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre: Located in a beautiful building in Sioux Narrows, the NOSFC chronicles the history of tourism and recreational fishing in the Lake of the Woods area. The displays inside are truly outstanding. 
• Sioux Narrows Provincial Park: If you plan to go camping, then Sioux Narrows Provincial Park is a great choice. Your kids will love swimming in the lake and playing on the beach. Walk the trail to the top for a spectacular view of Regina Bay, Lake of the Woods. There are also private campgrounds in the area. The highlight of the summer is the Sioux Narrows Arts Festival held over the August long weekend.
• Caliper Lake Provincial Park: Located on Caliper Lake near Nestor Falls, Caliper Lake Provincial Park is also operated and maintained by the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls. Spacious campsites, a sand beach and nearby hiking trails make for a great weekend of fun. The Park is home to the annual Moose N' Fiddle Festival in August.
• Fish Lake of the Woods or Crow Lake: if you get the chance, consider a guided fishing trip on Lake of the Woods or Crow Lake. It's an exhilarating experience, and you're guaranteed to catch fish if you're with a guide. If that's too costly, make sure you bring your fishing rod anyway, as you can catch fish from the shore. A lodge stay is another option in both Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls. 
• Go Hike the Nature Trails: Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls offer excellent opportunities for those who love hiking in the Boreal. The local hiking trails are a great way to experience the beautiful natural surroundings. 

Distance Chart: From Winnipeg to Key Sunset Country Destinations 

The destinations mentioned here are all easily accessible from the City of Winnipeg.

Winnipeg to Kenora: 209 km

Winnipeg to Vermilion Bay: 308 km

Winnipeg to Dryden: 352 km

Winnipeg to Sioux Narrows: 290 km

Winnipeg to Nestor Falls: 335 km

5 Reasons You Should Take a Weekend Road Trip to Sunset Country

1. Accessibility: A trip from Winnipeg to Sunset Country is easy! Drive east on the Trans-Canada and two hours later, you're in paradise. The "are we there yet" questions from the kids will be easy to manage!
2. Affordability: Given the cost of travel, a weekend road trip from Winnipeg to Sunset Country won't create a hole in your pocketbook. Affordable options at campgrounds and area accommodations mean you'll save big compared to a longer trip somewhere else. It's basically the same distance as if you went to Brandon for the weekend.
3. Lake Country: As soon as you cross into Ontario, the thing you'll notice is how many lakes are here. This really is lake country, and as you drive, you'll likely see a lake on the left, followed by one on the right and so on. These bodies of freshwater are clean and beautiful to swim in all summer. The thousands of lakes mean fishing and recreational opportunities in Sunset Country are better than anywhere else in Canada. 
4. Introduce Your Kids to the Outdoors: Winnipeg has a lot to do, but when it comes to nature and all its glory, you can't beat the Boreal forest ecosystem in Northwestern Ontario. Make sure you bring your camera, as you could see all kinds of wildlife while visiting. Get your kids off their screens and into the outdoors, and they'll be in awe of Mother Nature—she'll keep them busy for hours!
5. Get Away from the Rat Race: Winnipeg is a large city with heavy traffic congestion, and it's busy all the time. Sometimes, what you need most is to escape the busyness of the city for some peace and quiet where you won't hear any horns or sirens, but you might hear a loon call out over the lake. We deliver an authentic northern experience that's close to home!

See you in Sunset Country this summer!

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